The benefits of online ASD assessments

30/06/2020 by Help for Psychology Blog 0 comments

Due to many weeks of lockdown, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have been reviewing different ways of carrying out autism assessments. This month we carried out our first assessment where every aspect was done, securely, online. What follows is an explanation about the benefits of conducting assessments online, particularly with children who are reluctant to leave the safety of their home. This was written by Claire Huxford, a very experienced Speech and Language Therapist.

“Children, for instance, will be able to share their special interests easily which helps to promote engagement.

Online health services are now playing a crucial role in all our lives. There is growing evidence suggesting that some individuals respond better to online assessment than to face to face sessions, as they can have their sessions in the comfort of their own home. Due to the anxiety many autistic people experience, particularly regarding changes, public transport, new environments, unfamiliar people, alongside sensory needs, an assessment completed at home has been found to be hugely beneficial. Children, for instance, will be able to share their special interests easily which helps to promote engagement. Pets can be used to facilitate engagement which can be particularly helpful for those who experience significant social anxiety or are selectively mute. Numerous research and studies have shown that when children with autism are introduced to animals it can have many positive results, such as reduction in anxiety and withdrawal. Individuals can complete their assessment online with their own family pets within reach which will aid emotional wellbeing and help them to maintain a relaxed frame of mind.

The assessment is conducted online via Zoom and the sessions are password protected to ensure GDPR standards. Each session is recorded so that it can be viewed after to observe for non-verbal communication and more subtle behaviours. This means the assessment is extremely accurate and ensures high quality standards.

The assessment is based on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). It is suitable for children age 7 and over, young people and adults. This way of working successfully allows the professional to observe any differences in social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours. All that is needed is a PC, laptop or large tablet with a webcam, microphone and a good internet connection. As the assessment is administered online, there is flexibility with session times and it can be adapted to meet individual needs.

“They listened empathetically and understood his needs like no other professionals ever have.

This is the feedback we received from the mother whose child we assessed using our online assessment service. (Her comments have been included in this article with her permission.)

“What an amazing team of professionals.

I contacted Help for Psychology after years of other professionals not understanding my teenage son’s difficulties, which led to him being misdiagnosed. They agreed to assess him and the whole process was done online exceptionally quick but was still incredibly thorough and personal. They listened empathetically and understood his needs like no other professionals ever have. Unlike others they acknowledged that his mental health difficulties were due to him being on the Autism spectrum.

My son and our family now can hopefully recover from the difficult years we have had and finally move forward with our lives knowing we are supporting him correctly.

Thanks to the team for their knowledge understanding and empathy throughout my son’s assessment.”Natasha Smithson

Should you wish for further details of our online assessments, then please contact us using the following email address – enquiries@help4psychology.co.uk